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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

South Africa - safari and road trip from Cape Town

73 replies

Bananajam · 01/09/2022 15:56

Hi, we are finally going on our trip to Cape Town after several delays, cancelled flights and various changes in our itinerary. I cannot wait!
We've never been before and I would really appreciate any advice, recommendations and information you can give to make sure this trip is all I hoped for when I booked in 2019!
Thanks!

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Svalberg · 01/09/2022 16:17

I can recommend Cheetah Outreach (a sanctuary for cheetahs) just to the north of Cape Town itself, if you want to get up close to cheetahs. We also had a great time in Stellenbosch doing wine tasting, Boulders Beach for the penguins & Robben Island for the prison & yet more penguins. Where have you planned to go?

CatelynStark · 01/09/2022 16:36

We went in 2019 and got the Cape Town City passes which meant we did absolutely loads of things. For example, the Aquila Game Reserve, the Heart of Cape Town about the first heart transplant (very sensitively done), a sunset cruise to see the whales, the aquarium, the Cape Wheel.The Hard Rock cafe in Camps Bay, the Zeitz MOCCA & Iziko museums, the planetarium, Vredenheim Big Cat sanctuary, alpaca and crocodile farms to name a few. Fantastic place - I’d go back tomorrow.

UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername · 01/09/2022 16:47

Oooh, that was the best holiday we ever had!

Yes to Cheetah Outreach. They're one of the less awful animal-tourist-interaction places because they do actually do important conservation work with LGDs.

Drakenstein Lion Sanctuary is another good one. If you can, you should stay in one of their tents over night. It was the most memorable night of my life.

The Cape of Good Hope is amazing.

We liked Cape Agulhas, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. It was only a quick stopover, but interesting.

Hermanus to see whales is a must-do.

We stayed in a hostel in Mossel Bay that was a renovated train parked on the beach. It was cheap as chips and very memorable, plus breakfast on the deck overlooking the Indian Ocean, and then walking down the beach into it, was phenomenal. Also in Mossel Bay is an aquarium where you can swim with smooth hound sharks, if the cold water doesn't kill you.

I don't know how far you're going but Addo Elephant National Park was a great beginner safari experience. We saw all sorts, and rather memorably smelled a ripe lion kill. It's funny what sticks with you!

I've just remembered scootering down Table Mountain - that was fun (and terrifying!).

Knysna Elephant park has rooms attached to the elephants' boma (where they sleep overnight); you can stay there overnight, and curl up under blankets on couches overlooking the ellies before bed, watching, listening to and smelling them eat, interact, play and sleep.

Those were the main highlights of our three weeks, I think.

Bananajam · 02/09/2022 14:13

Thanks everyone! We are on a planned route with everywhere booked but we do have 3 days in Cape Town to start and I had planned a trip to Table Mountain and Robben Island. We're doing a loop going via Hermanus, Krysna, Stormsriver, Sundays River Valley and Stellenbosch.
I very aware of the tourist traps and dint want to go anywhere were the animals are not well treated.

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howoriginal · 02/09/2022 15:02

Cape Town, it's so beautiful, I'm so envious that you're going! If you can get to Franschoek (near Stellenbosch), it's a beautiful wine town with lots of vineyards, restaurants and cafes. My fave restaurant in Franschoek is Rubens. Long Street in Cape Town is a little bit rough at times but has some great places to eat - Fork on that street is a really delicious tapas/pintxos place which we went back to several times. There is also an excellent Indian restaurant on that street which I never went to but plenty of friends recommended (we lived in JoBurg so we and friends would visit CT often). Hermanus is lovely, can't remember what time of year is best for whales there though. Seeing them jump up and breach the water was just amazing to see. Jarryds cafe in Sea Point is a lovely place for breakfast, and Truth coffee in the city center claims to be the best coffee in South Africa. It has a steampunk vibe and does a breakfast menu too, but it's the coffee most people go for. Have a wonderful time, it's my favourite city and the food and drink in SA is just the absolute best.

howoriginal · 02/09/2022 15:07

I'm sure you're aware already, but do be on your guard, don't wear anything expensive looking and trust your gut instincts. We lived in SA for 4 yrs and never had any issues with crime but you do need to be that little bit more aware of your surroundings and other people than you'd normally be. Don't let that spoil your holiday, it is an amazing city and country, the people are lovely, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security in Cape Town. Despite its tourism and its beauty there are still dangers.

Bananajam · 02/09/2022 16:23

howoriginal · 02/09/2022 15:07

I'm sure you're aware already, but do be on your guard, don't wear anything expensive looking and trust your gut instincts. We lived in SA for 4 yrs and never had any issues with crime but you do need to be that little bit more aware of your surroundings and other people than you'd normally be. Don't let that spoil your holiday, it is an amazing city and country, the people are lovely, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security in Cape Town. Despite its tourism and its beauty there are still dangers.

Thanks howoriginal, thats my worry I think. I obviously won't be taking any jewellery or expensive items and will be using credit over cash where possible.

I've noted the recommendations, always a bonus in a new place as its stressful searching for somewhere to eat and can take up valuable time! DH gets very hangry 😂

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CoffeeInTheClouds · 02/09/2022 16:49

I have just been pricing up a trip for next year.

You don't really seem to have much time to play with. I think all the game lodges are quite a way out of Cape Town. We have been to Aquila, which was great. And also a smaller one in Worcester, although I wouldn't recommend that one. But I think it would involve an overnight, especially as the animals are more active at dawn and dusk.

Robben Island is a must do. Boulders beach is fun, and Chapman's peak drive is great too.

Have fun whatever you decide to do!

Lyla82 · 02/09/2022 17:24

We went to South Africa last year when it was removed from the red list (before the government overreacted and put it back on there and we ended up in hotel quarantine- but that's another matter!) and it was everything we had hoped it would be! The country is amazing and you will have the best time!
Go to Camps Bay in Cape Town, its lovely there. We went on safari near Port Elizabeth, a place called Pumba Privage Game Reserve... it was amazing!
Enjoy! Very jealous.

ReviewingTheSituation · 02/09/2022 17:30

You'll have a great time! We had great food here and here. Can't recommend these highly enough.

If you can get to Franschoek, the wine tasting train is a must do. The perfect way to try lots of wine, with no driving.

We didn't see any whales in Hermanus, despite being there at the right time of year! We did have a lovely walk around the coastline to a great beachfront restaurant though.

MotherofPearl · 02/09/2022 19:59

Where is the safari bit OP?

ColdCottage · 02/09/2022 20:01

Take CDs or something to link to your phone. No radio most of the way down the coast.

TheClitterati · 03/09/2022 11:16

AWOL do great bike & hiking tours around Cape Town. Run by a woman I used to work with in London. She set it up after cycling from London to Cape Town

www.awoltours.co.za/

BearWoman · 03/09/2022 11:37

Capetonian here. I would recommend Kirstenbosch Gardens, a trip up Table Mountain, Boulders Beach for the penguins (you can combine this with a visit to beautiful Cape Point). A wine tasting visit to the Winelands or Franschhoek. Sundowners in Camps Bay. Whale watching in Hermanus (a comfortable two hour drive from Cape Town) is a must during whale season (August/September). If you will be here shortly a trip up the West Coast to take in the wild flowers blooming in the West Coast National Park is lovely - while there a visit to nearby Paternoster for a meal at either Wolfgat or Gaaitjie - simply sublime, booking is essential. I hope you have a wonderful stay - Cape Town is simply magical. If you need restaurant recommendations or activity focused tips I’m happy to assist.

Bananajam · 03/09/2022 18:31

MotherofPearl · 02/09/2022 19:59

Where is the safari bit OP?

According to our itinerary we have the option of safari at both Krysna and Sundays River Valley with early morning and evening game drives.

We are away for 17 nights in total. We have an extra night in Cape Town as the new flights were much cheaper going a day early! We go in October.

We are going sea kayaking to hopefully see whales along with the penguins!

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Bananajam · 03/09/2022 18:36

This is our route, I arranged everything with a local company in SA.

South Africa - safari and road trip from Cape Town
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Bananajam · 03/09/2022 18:38

Thanks so much @BearWoman ! All recommendations gratefully received 😊

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Bananajam · 03/09/2022 18:39

TheClitterati · 03/09/2022 11:16

AWOL do great bike & hiking tours around Cape Town. Run by a woman I used to work with in London. She set it up after cycling from London to Cape Town

www.awoltours.co.za/

That sounds just what I was looking for!

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isthismylifenow · 03/09/2022 18:59

Bananajam · 03/09/2022 18:31

According to our itinerary we have the option of safari at both Krysna and Sundays River Valley with early morning and evening game drives.

We are away for 17 nights in total. We have an extra night in Cape Town as the new flights were much cheaper going a day early! We go in October.

We are going sea kayaking to hopefully see whales along with the penguins!

You are going to have a great time! Another Saffer here.

I assume you are hiring a car, the Garden Route is such a stunning trip. You do have a fair bit of travelling to do, so my tip there is to leave early in the morning to start the journey to your next spot so that you don't spend too many full days in the car.

Please don't get your heart too set on seeing the whales as they are in now, so not sure if you will see them in October. But you are not short of plenty other things to do and see.

Do you have to pick one of the two safaris, so either Knysna or Sundays? If so, which two would you need to choose from? Perhaps one of us could guide you to which may be the better option.

Also there have been a few name changes for some places, I'm sure your travel agent will have mentioned these. Gqebhera is the new name for Port Elizabeth... It takes a while to get your head around these, so people will refer to places in their old names.

Bananajam · 03/09/2022 20:04

Thanks @isthismylifenow no, we have choices at both and are happy to be guided on where is best. We have a couple of nights at each and had planned early starts for the drives from place to place. We're both early morning people, especially on holiday and have done a lot of road trips, mainly across the US. I am not expecting anything with regards whales! I appreciate nothing is guaranteed!

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TheClitterati · 03/09/2022 21:53

Oh I am pleased. Have a great trip. Sounds fantastic

MotherofPearl · 03/09/2022 21:58

Thanks OP - of those options I think I'd choose Sundays River. I think the scenery is spectacular, more so than Knysna imo. But you've got a great itinerary and I hope you have a brilliant time. Smile

Ame45 · 04/09/2022 16:13

Following as also off to SA in October!

cathyandclare · 13/10/2022 11:15

How's the holiday going, any tips? We're heading to Cape Town on the train tomorrow having just finished a safari. Hope you're having a great time!

Bananajam · 15/10/2022 19:54

Amazing! Spent the day on the hop on, hop off bus doing the red and blue routes. Beautiful beaches! We've just had dinner at Den Anker, absolutely delicious and ridiculously cheap. We have a trip planned tomorrow with a driver going around Chapman's Peak, Boulder's beach, CapemofmGood Hope with lunch in Simon's Town.
We have had cold weather, rain and strong winds but did manage to get up Table Mountain this morning. Layers are definitely recommended!

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